Teach Me, Teacher – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, we're back with Part 3 of my conversation with Ken Williams — and we're pushing even deeper into what real leadership looks like when the excuses are stripped away.

If you missed Part 2, make sure you catch up first.

In this installment, we go beyond the question of whether teachers matter and dig into the systems, habits, and mindsets that either amplify teacher expertise or quietly suffocate it. Because here's the truth far too many leaders avoid:
You can't claim to believe in teachers while building a school that doesn't trust them.

We talk about how some schools unintentionally create environments where demographics set the narrative, expectations shrink, and teacher talent is overshadowed by fear, compliance, or "initiatives" that don't move the needle. And we explore the opposite—what it looks like when leaders actively remove barriers, create clarity, and build cultures where teachers are empowered to be the experts they were hired to be.

This episode gets into:

• Why "context" can't become a convenient excuse for low accountability

• How leaders can shift from managing teachers to developing them

• What high-functioning schools do differently — no matter the zip code

• The mindsets that help leaders create conditions where every teacher can succeed

• Why student demographics must never determine adult expectations

Ken pulls no punches as we examine what it really takes for leaders to support teachers in any school, with any students, under any circumstances. This is the deeper work — the work that transforms schools from the inside out.

If you're ready to move past rhetoric and toward real leadership that elevates teacher expertise, this is the episode.

Learn more about Ken's work at Unfold the Soul and check out his book Ruthless Equity.

This week, I sit down with Ken Williams — educator, speaker, author of Ruthless Equity, and founder of Unfold the Soul — to dig into a question that hits the core of what schools are becoming: Do teachers still matter?

If you missed part 1, click here.

In far too many places, we've slipped into treating demographics like destiny. Schools get so wrapped up in predicting outcomes based on factors kids can't control that teachers end up feeling obsolete before they even step into the room. When we assume what students can't do, we quietly remove the people who can change everything: the teachers.

If we actually want better schools, we have to treat teachers like the experts they are and let them do what only they can do. Because kids from every background and every circumstance can learn when we trust and empower the people closest to them.

Ken brings his trademark clarity and candor as we dig into how schools can rebuild belief in teachers and what leaders must do to support that shift. It's real, it's challenging, and it's the kind of conversation that refuses to settle for easy answers.

Learn more about Ken's work at Unfold the Soul and check out his book Ruthless Equity.

In this heartfelt new episode of Teach Me, Teacher, we sit down with Josh Monroe—the inspiring 5th-grade teacher behind the TikTok sensation @mrmonroeandnala, where he shares heartwarming and thought-provoking classroom moments alongside his therapy dog, Nala TikTok (though things have changed). Josh is also the co-host of the acclaimed podcast What the World Needs Now, where he and fellow educator Tom Whisinnand explore what keeps teachers motivated while uplifting educator voices from around the world.

Together, we explore the concept of "hidden standards"—the unspoken social expectations like listening empathetically, speaking kindly, and treating one another with respect. Josh shares why teaching content is only half the job and introduces audiences to classroom strategies that embed social-skill building into everyday teaching. Expect practical ideas for cultivating empathy, communication, and ethical behavior—because growing good humans matters as much as grade-level success.

Educators and parents, get ready to learn how to turn your classroom or home into a place where kindness is just as important as curriculum—and then some. Tune in now to reframe how we teach, how children learn to engage, and how we all build better communities, one conversation at a time.

If you'd like to hear his previous episode, click here. 

Hello everyone! Classroom management has never been more important in schools. Study after study cites one of the biggest reasons for teachers leaving the classroom has to do with student behavior. While we can't control everything, we can come together and think about how to create classrooms that support the best behavior students can have and cultivate a great learning environment.

To help with this, I have brought on Claire English — a fellow podcaster, classroom management trainer, and all around fantastic educator. If you missed part one, check it out here. 

In this episode, we discuss what modern classroom management looks like, how to reframe to focus on the key factors that lead to effective classroom management, and so much more.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here's to the next five years.

Hello everyone! Classroom management has never been more important in schools. Study after study cites one of the biggest reasons for teachers leaving the classroom has to do with student behavior. While we can't control everything, we can come together and think about how to create classrooms that support the best behavior students can have and cultivate a great learning environment.

To help with this, I have brought on Claire English — a fellow podcaster, classroom management trainer, and all around fantastic educator.

In this episode, we discuss what modern classroom management looks like, how to reframe to focus on the key factors that lead to effective classroom management, and so much more.

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.

We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system.

In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators.

Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here's to the next five years.

Hello everyone! As the year closes, many of us start to look at what we can do better next year. We start wondering about small changes we can put in place to yield big results.

One of those changes can be focusing on building up your school community. Involving parents and community members to boost engagement and support for your school's mission.

This is not an easy task, but it is a worthy and achievable one.

To help us with this, I have brought on my good friend Kyle Hill to discuss what he has seen work in this regard, why he believes we should focus on it, and what steps you can take to make your community better and stronger for everyone.

This is part 2 of our discussion. If you missed part one, click here. 

Kyle Hill has worked in special education for 25 years.  His first 20 years were as a special education teacher in an elementary school.  Currently, he works district-wide as a resource lead, in an attempt to help educators support all the students within their diverse classrooms.  His greatest passion and job though is being a father of 3 kids who all have their own unique needs.  Because of his experiences in education and parenting, Kyle became the founder of the RechargED Family.  This organization provides content and resources for both parents and educators through his podcasts, the Xhausted Educators show, the Parents RechargED show, and various RechargED Family projects.  You can connect with Kyle on Instagram, TikTok,Twitter, YouTube, or Clapper @rechargedfamily. Find out more about the work that he and his wife Nicole are doing to help youth and those who support kids by visiting https://www.rechargedfamily.com/

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do, Second Edition, by Kylene Bears.

Reading matters because it changes us. It changes the way we think, the way we see the world, the way we process information and dream new thoughts.

This new edition of When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do is a guidebook for those who teach students who struggle with reading. Extensively rewritten by Kylene Beers, it offers practical teaching scaffolds and strategies in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and engagement.

Check out more about the book by clicking right here.

Hello everyone! As the year closes, many of us start to look at what we can do better next year. We start wondering about small changes we can put in place to yield big results.

One of those changes can be focusing on building up your school community. Involving parents and community members to boost engagement and support for your school's mission.

This is not an easy task, but it is a worthy and achievable one.

To help us with this, I have brought on my good friend Kyle Hill to discuss what he has seen work in this regard, why he believes we should focus on it, and what steps you can take to make your community better and stronger for everyone.

Kyle Hill has worked in special education for 25 years.  His first 20 years were as a special education teacher in an elementary school.  Currently, he works district-wide as a resource lead, in an attempt to help educators support all the students within their diverse classrooms.  His greatest passion and job though is being a father of 3 kids who all have their own unique needs.  Because of his experiences in education and parenting, Kyle became the founder of the RechargED Family.  This organization provides content and resources for both parents and educators through his podcasts, the Xhausted Educators show, the Parents RechargED show, and various RechargED Family projects.  You can connect with Kyle on Instagram, TikTok,Twitter, YouTube, or Clapper @rechargedfamily. Find out more about the work that he and his wife Nicole are doing to help youth and those who support kids by visiting https://www.rechargedfamily.com/

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do, Second Edition, by Kylene Bears.

Reading matters because it changes us. It changes the way we think, the way we see the world, the way we process information and dream new thoughts.

This new edition of When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do is a guidebook for those who teach students who struggle with reading. Extensively rewritten by Kylene Beers, it offers practical teaching scaffolds and strategies in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and engagement.

Check out more about the book by clicking right here.

Hello everyone! Today it's my pleasure to bring you my conversation with Jared Cooney Horvath, a cognitive neuroscientist based out of the University of Melbourne specializing in human thought, learning and brain stimulation.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best episodes of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast.

In this episode, we dive deep into the brain science behind how students learn, retain, and apply the information we give them in our classes.

In part one of our talk, we hit on everything from the role of technology in learning (how it hurts and helps), why note taking can be powerful, and how physical print media can be such a boon when reading longer texts.

Of course, there is more than this sprinkled in this episode, but you'll have to listen to get the rest!

When you're done with this episode, please check out Jared's work here and support him by buying his book! I've read it twice, and it is amazing every time.

Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do, Second Edition, by Kylene Bears.

Reading matters because it changes us. It changes the way we think, the way we see the world, the way we process information and dream new thoughts.

This new edition of When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do is a guidebook for those who teach students who struggle with reading. Extensively rewritten by Kylene Beers, it offers practical teaching scaffolds and strategies in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and engagement.

Check out more about the book by clicking right here.

Hello everyone! Everyone has or will face times when life is just difficult.  When those difficult times show their ugly heads, we still need to teach.  The question is: "How do we keep going?"

In this episode, Jacob and Pam discuss how they deal with such moments.  Pam shares how she looks at teaching as a way to serve others.  Jacob shares how he turns to teaching to keep himself going.  They each share other ways they get through the tough times while maintaining their roles as educators.

Join Jacob and Pam as they share how to keep on going when they face difficult times.  Maybe you will find a little something to help you keep going, too!

This episode is from the Craft & Draft podcast. Subscribe here. 

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do, Second Edition, by Kylene Bears.

Reading matters because it changes us. It changes the way we think, the way we see the world, the way we process information and dream new thoughts.

This new edition of When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do is a guidebook for those who teach students who struggle with reading. Extensively rewritten by Kylene Beers, it offers practical teaching scaffolds and strategies in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and engagement.

Check out more about the book by clicking right here.

Hello everyone! Today I'm flying solo as I offer my best 10 tips for getting hired as a teacher. While this episode is geared to new teachers, I believe anyone can follow these tips. So if you are changing schools, positions, or moving, I think these 10 tips can increase your chances at nailing that interview.

Each piece of advice in this episode is fueled by my experience with hiring teachers, and what I've heard and said behind closed doors as to why someone wasn't right for the job.

If this episode helped you nail your interview, or you think it will help someone else, share it! We need to attract the best people to this profession—so if the best person you know needs help, direct them back here!

This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices by Lorena Escoto Germán.

\With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching helps secondary teachers stop wondering and guessing how to implement teaching and learning that leads to social justice.  Lorena Germán shares her framework for creating a classroom environment that is highly rigorous and engaging, and that reflects the core traits of Textured Teaching: student-driven and community-centered, interdisciplinary, experiential, and flexible.  The actionable strategies Lorena uses to bring Textured Teaching values to life illuminate what is possible when we welcome all types of texts, all types of voices, and all forms of expression into the classroom.

Learn more about how to become a culturally sustaining educator. Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Textured Teaching.